In a stunning and highly secretive gathering, billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk appeared via video during a meeting at the Boring Bodega, where approximately 150 current and former members of the so-called DOGE team convened with their families. The DOGE group, originally integrated into federal agencies during President Trump’s first term, is known for its mission to cut federal spending and reduce bureaucratic overhead, a task Musk has long championed.

The meeting was heavily secured. All phones were sealed in security bags and returned only after attendees boarded the buses leaving the event. Musk’s video appearance came from an undisclosed dark location. The billionaire explained that he chose not to attend in person because the event had been publicly leaked online, and he believed he was the third-highest assassination target in the United States, ranking only behind President Trump and Vice President JD Vance. This is not the first time Musk has expressed concerns about his safety; during Tesla’s shareholder meeting last year, he jokingly remarked that he “should exercise more to reduce the risk of being assassinated.”

Despite the secrecy, some attendees were reportedly disappointed. Many had brought spouses and were hoping for a face-to-face meeting with Musk. One attendee admitted, “Some people felt awkward because the event didn’t meet expectations, especially since Musk was not physically present.”

Musk’s Lengthy and Wide-Ranging Address

During the video, Musk delivered a long speech, often wandering across topics in his signature style. He began by thanking DOGE team members for their sacrifices during their time in Washington, acknowledging those who had taken lower-paying jobs, endured political pressures, and even faced threats to their personal safety.

Musk then transitioned seamlessly into broader discussions, covering everything from concerns about potential civil unrest, to the Kardashev scale measuring technological advancement, and the urgent need for humanity to establish colonies on Mars. In a lighter moment, Musk joked that rockets leaving Earth could not reach Mars fast enough to pose any danger, and even if they did, “six months of travel gives settlers plenty of time to prepare,” eliciting laughter from the audience.

Safety Concerns and Public Perception

Musk’s revelation about his perceived status as a top assassination target adds a dramatic layer to the event. While some found his security concerns valid, others questioned the need for such extreme secrecy. His video-only appearance, though understandable from a safety standpoint, left a portion of attendees wanting more.

Still, Musk used the opportunity to reaffirm his support for President Trump and Vice President JD Vance, reiterating that their leadership and influence were part of the reason he remains vigilant about his personal security. This underscores Musk’s long-standing engagement in political spheres, despite primarily being known as a tech entrepreneur.

The DOGE Team Legacy

The DOGE team itself has played a controversial but influential role in federal governance. Originally tasked with streamlining federal agencies and cutting costs

, the group attracted attention for both its ambitious goals and the unconventional methods sometimes employed. Musk’s comments highlighted the personal sacrifices of team members, from enduring political scrutiny to facing threats due to the nature of their work.

By recognizing these efforts, Musk not only honored the DOGE team but also positioned himself as a continued advocate for limited government and efficiency, echoing his long-standing political and economic beliefs.

The Mars Factor

True to Musk’s style, the meeting was not just about politics and safety—it also veered into interplanetary concerns. Discussing Mars colonization and the Kardashev scale, Musk painted a picture of a future where humanity must expand beyond Earth to ensure survival. While seemingly unrelated to the DOGE team’s mission, these topics reflect Musk’s broader vision of risk, innovation, and the stakes of leadership—whether on Earth or in space.

Mixed Reactions

The reaction from attendees was mixed. While Musk’s dedication and vision were clear, some felt the event lacked the personal touch of a live appearance. Bringing families and friends into such a private meeting raised expectations that were difficult to meet through a screen. Nevertheless, Musk’s combination of political commentary, personal anecdotes, and space-faring ambitions kept the conversation engaging, if not entirely conventional.

Political Implications

By publicly naming himself as a potential high-level assassination target, Musk has once again stirred debate about the intersection of tech entrepreneurship, political influence, and personal security. His alignment with Trump and Vance underscores the blurred lines between tech and politics in modern America, where figures like Musk can wield influence across multiple domains.

The video appearance also serves as a reminder that prominent tech leaders are increasingly enmeshed in national politics, not just corporate innovation. Musk’s warnings, jokes, and wide-ranging commentary all contribute to a narrative that tech, governance, and global security are deeply interconnected.

Conclusion

Elon Musk’s video appearance at the Boring Bodega DOGE team gathering was a dramatic mix of politics, personal security, and visionary thinking. While some attendees were disappointed by the lack of physical presence, Musk effectively communicated his continued support for political allies, his concern for personal safety, and his broader vision for humanity’s future.

Whether discussing federal bureaucracy, the Kardashev scale, or Mars colonization, Musk’s statements demonstrate that he remains a polarizing yet influential figure at the crossroads of technology, politics, and society. The event reminds us that in today’s world, the lines between tech leaders and political actors are increasingly blurred—and that innovation, risk, and personal security are all part of the same high-stakes equation.